Tasmania’s worst roadkill spots: How to save animal lives

At this time of year, Tasmanian roads are littered with roadkill, but one group is hoping to change that. FIND OUT HOW + 10 WORST HOT SPOTS >>

Tasmania’s worst roadkill hot spots, according to insurance claims data, have been revealed, with a greater Hobart region topping the list for worst offences.

Kingston was highest on the list of Tasmanian animal collisions recorded last year by insurance provider, AAMI.

Right behind Kingston was New Norfolk, followed by Campbell Town, Cambridge and Swansea.

The data analysed more than 15,500 claims across the country, which showed the most claims were made in Victoria.

“Be extra vigilant especially at dawn and dusk when visibility can be difficult, and nocturnal animals are more active,” AAMI’s head of motor claims Matt Pugliese said.

TIME TBC - Ruth Waterhouse Wildlife Signs

The increasing amount of roadkill on Tasmanian roads and highways has spurred a wildlife rescue group into action as they launch a new campaign to reduce roadkill.

Registered wildlife carer Kimberley Mendonca said Tasmania’s wildlife road toll was prolific all year round, but at this time of year, she’d often see more pademelons, wallabies and joeys.

“There can be young trying to find their territory when they leave their mothers and are looking at establishing ground,” Ms Mendonca said.

“It is coming up as a busy period where there will be more joeys coming through.”

“We’re still seeing quite a lot of quolls as well.”

To help raise awareness, Tasmanian jeweller Ruth Waterhouse has created new signs to encourage motorists to slow down.

“All of the images are orphaned animals which have been cared for by carers,” Ms Mendoca said.

“They’re being sold to the public to put on their personal fences,”

So far, more than 100 of the signs have been sold and put up in Tasmania.

“If you actually put a face to the deceased, that face with bring attention to what these animals are, they’re living breathing souls that have been killed,” she said.

TIME TBC - Ruth Waterhouse Wildlife Signs

“I think education and public awareness is key, everyone is in a rush after work to get home but if everyone can reduce their speed that’s the first step,” she said.

Ms Mendonca and wildlife rescue group, Wildlife and Community Together Tasmania were looking at other ways to reduce roadkill.

“We’re investigating the effectiveness of virtual fences and animal crossing which go under the roads,”

“Tourists are taken aback by the amount so changing our reputation from roadkill capital would be beneficial.”

Tasmania’s 10 worst roadkill hot spots

1. Kingston

2. New Norfolk

3. Campbell Town

4. Cambridge

5. Swansea

6. Launceston

7. Huonville

8. Waratah

9. Riverside

10 Miena

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